2026-08-19 7 min read A2Z Garage Doors
In our years serving Sherwood, we've seen this problem again and again: homeowners hear a loud bang from the garage, try to open the door, and suddenly realize their springs have failed. A snapped spring doesn't just stop your door from working. It can damage your opener, bend the panels, and leave you paying far more than if you'd caught the issue early. Here's how to recognize a broken spring before it becomes an expensive mess.
A broken torsion or extension spring shows itself in unmistakable ways. The most obvious sign is a loud snapping or popping sound. Many homeowners describe it as a gunshot coming from inside the garage. That noise means one of your springs has lost tension and separated.
After that sound, your door will either hang lopsided or won't open at all. If you try the opener and the door barely budges, or rises only partway before stopping, a snapped spring is almost always the culprit. The opener's motor can't compensate for the lost lifting power that a healthy spring provides.
You might also notice the door feeling incredibly heavy when you try to lift it manually. Springs carry about 400 pounds of the door's weight. Without them, you're fighting the full load alone. Don't attempt to force it. A broken spring will damage the opener further and risk injury.
**Need garage door springs in Sherwood today?** Call 541-933-4777. We cover same-day service across the area.
Garage door springs last between 7 and 9 years under normal use. That's roughly 10,000 to 15,000 open/close cycles. If your door gets heavy use (opening multiple times daily), springs wear faster. Oregon's damp climate also accelerates rust buildup on the coils, weakening them over time.
The two main types are torsion springs, which twist above the door, and extension springs, which pull from the sides. Torsion springs are more durable but cost more to replace. Extension springs are cheaper upfront but wear out faster.
Temperature swings in winter and summer stress the metal. Lack of lubrication causes friction that eats away at the coils. If you haven't had your door maintained in two years or more, spring failure is coming. Learn more about preventive care in our guide to garage door maintenance in Sherwood) to catch problems before they become emergencies.
The cost varies based on which spring type you have and whether one or both need replacing. A single torsion spring replacement typically runs between $200 and $400 in Sherwood. Extension springs cost $150 to $300 per spring. Labor is included in those estimates.
If both springs fail at the same time (common when they're the same age), budget $350 to $650 total. Never replace just one if both are the same age. Mismatched springs create uneven tension and will damage your door and opener.
Many homeowners try to save money by buying springs online and installing them themselves. That's a false economy. Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Improper installation can cause serious injury or rapid failure. We always recommend professional installation for safety and warranty protection.
Our pricing guide for garage door cost in Sherwood) breaks down what contractors should charge. Use it to spot inflated estimates. If someone quotes you over $700 per spring, get a second opinion.
Don't wait once you hear that snapping sound. A broken spring puts stress on your opener and door frame every time you try to use the machine. The longer you delay, the higher the risk of secondary damage.
Contact us for a free same-day estimate on our spring services. We'll diagnose the exact problem, tell you whether one or both springs need replacement, and give you a clear, upfront price. No surprises.
If your opener itself has stopped working, check whether the spring is truly broken or if the opener battery backup needs attention. Read about opener battery backup in Sherwood to rule out other causes first.
Call Garage Door Sherwood at 541-933-4777 or schedule your estimate online. Most spring replacements are completed within 24 hours. The sooner you act, the sooner your door works safely again.
Can I open my garage door if the spring is broken? No. Don't force it. A broken spring removes about 400 pounds of support. The opener will strain, the door may derail, and you risk pinching fingers or worse. Call a professional instead.
How long does a spring replacement take? Most jobs finish in 1 to 2 hours. We aim for same-day service in Sherwood whenever possible. Schedule early in the day for fastest turnaround.
Will my homeowner's insurance cover a broken spring? Typically, no. Spring failure is considered normal wear and tear, not a covered loss. Contact your insurer to confirm your policy, but plan to pay out of pocket.
What's the difference between a torsion and extension spring? Torsion springs twist above the door and last 7 to 9 years. Extension springs pull from the sides and last 5 to 7 years. Torsion is more durable but more expensive to replace.
Is a broken spring an emergency? Yes. Don't drive under a door with a broken spring. The door could fall unexpectedly. Call us right away for same-day repair.